The Royals locked up the youngest of their young major leaguers on Monday, signing 21-year-old catcher Salvador Perez to a five-year contract with club options through 2019.

Perez debuted in the majors last August and hit .331/.361/.473 with three homers and 21 RBI in 148 at-bats. The new arrival wouldn’t have been eligible for arbitration until after 2014 or free agency until after 2017.

Given the way young catchers tend to stall offensively, it’s a bit risky for the Royals to go long-term here. Still, the deal is almost sure to be cheap enough to make the upside worth it. Besides, they’re finally out from under that Angel Berroa contract now (right?). They can afford to splurge.

I like this kid, Sally Perez. He looked just awesome backstopping the Royals last season. You’re right: $7m for the first five years is nice for an above average catcher (besides, I think he’s going to be WAY above average).

I remember hearing about him when he was in camp with KC at age 19. All coaches were saying things like “if he hits .260, he’ll go to Cooperstown – that’s how good he is defensively.” Also, it was the first time Ned had ever seen a catcher pop a 1.8. THAT is special. All the best to this young guy- he plays with great energy/enthusiasm.

If you listen to Yost or Moore interviews this spring they are incredibly high on Sal. As high on him as they are Hosmer. To control him for a potential 8 years for that cheap is a steal for KC, even if Perez doesn’t turn into the next “Sandy Alomar Jr.”.